Three Swedish nurses have described their "life-changing" journey as proud members of the Tartan Army.

Elin Eidenstedt, Ida Sjolander Brander and Erika Johansson, all aged between 29 and 31, have jetted across Europe to watch their adopted team play in five matches over the past year – and have already joined fellow fans in Lithuania ahead of the crunch World Cup match tonight.

The nurses love the spirit of Scotland and its fans (Image: Garry F McHarg/Daily Record)

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The trio, who call themselves the Swedish Tartan Army, discovered their new passion after meeting a rowdy bunch of Scotland fans in Malta while on holiday last September.

Scotland were taking on the Maltese in a World Cup qualifier and the girls had so much fun with the travelling fans that they were inspired to take a trip to watch the team play Lithuania the following month.

Elin said it was partying with Scots revellers at a bar a few days before the Malta match which ignited their love of Scotland.

She said: "There were lots of them. We danced, sang and talked all night and we made so many friends. We had so much fun. It was a night I'll remember forever.

"Visiting Scotland for the game was amazing too. It's beautiful and there is so much green.

"The people are more sociable and welcoming. It's not as sociable back in Sweden."

Elin Eidenstedt, Ida Sjolander Brander and Erika Johansson are proud fans of the Scottish football team

Elin describes how being in the Tartan Army has helped her come out of her shell.

The 31-year-old said: "It has taught me to be more social, confident and it encourages me to talk to people I have never met before. I am more relaxed and I have learned just to be myself.

"It's been life-changing."

The first thing that struck the trio on their first encounter with the Tartan Army was the fervent national pride Scots have for their homeland.

She said: "Scottish people love their country and are proud to be from there. In Sweden you can be proud, you just can't come across as TOO proud."

Elin laughs when asked about Scotland's less-than-sparkling football performances – but it doesn't dampen their spirits too much while on the stands.

She said: "Obviously it would be more fun if they won more games.

"It surprises me that people Scotland fans are always SO surprised that we support their team, just because they don't win a lot. I always ask them, 'Why?' You are so proud of your country. Why shouldn't we?"

The girls gearing up for the Lithuania match (Image: Garry F McHarg/Daily Record)

But the Swedes' labour of love has not always been an easy ride. Elin admits she is still heartbroken as she recalls England's last-minute equaliser against Scotland in June.

"I will never forget that," she admitted. "It still hurts. They were so close to winning. I actually cried."